LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

^ 3-2.53 

ifjap <*u$qnij$'$n.__ 

Shelf JaLtJ&i 

^94 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



DEGREE RITUAL 



Independent Order of Saint Luke, 



CONTAINING THE 



RULES, REGULATIONS, 



CEREMONIES OF DEGREES, 

(w 24Vr 

Revised arjd conqpiled,' by order of the R. W. G. Council 
I, 0. of St. Luke, of Virginia, 

BY 

W. M. T. FORRESTER, R. W. G, Secretary, 
1894. 



Copyright, 1894. 



[Degree Council Chamber Form.'] 



P. W. C's. 



[East.] 
DEGREE CHIEF 



P. W. C's. 



(Three 



Desk. 



Lights.) ^ ^ ^ 



\ 



Treasurer. 



Secretary. 



Desk. 



Desk. 



Senior Conductor; 



Junior Conductor. 



(Altar.) 



Five 




Lights.) ^ I 






Chaplain. 



> w 



Desk. 



3 



\V. FATHER. 

| West.] [nside Sentinel. 



Outside Sentinel. 



RULES, REGULATIONS, AND CEREMONIES 

OF THE 

DEGREE COUNCIL 

OF THE 

Independent Brder of St. Lake. 



Rule 1. Degree Councils of Instruction shall be held 
in each Subordinate Council once a month for conferring 
degrees upon such members as shall make application for 
the same, and to communicate such information as will 
make the members proficient in the words, signs, and 
grips of such degrees as they may have received. 

Rule 2. The first Past Worthy Chief of every Coun- 
cil of this Order shall hold the Degree Rituals for twelve 
months or one term after which the Degree Chiefs shall 
be elected annually by the Councils, the elections to be 
held in the month of September. The Degree Chief 
shall be subject to all the laws, rules, and regulations as 
other members. In case of vacancy of this office, by 
death or otherwise, the work shall be held by the second 
Past Chief, if competent ; if not, then the Council shall 
decide from their number of Past Chiefs who shall hold 
it; the same to be elected by ballot as provided in the 
General Laws of the Order. 

Rule 3 — Section 1. The degrees of the Subordinate 
Councils of the Independent Order of St. Luke shall be 
conferred upon all members who are found to be worthy 
and qualified to receive them, upon their application for 
the same. 



Section 2. The degrees of the Past Chiefs' Council 
shall be three in number, and under the supervision of 
the R. W. G. Council. 

Rule 4. The Past Worthy Chief holding the Degree 
Ritual shall preside over the Degree Council, and shall 
ask such assistance as he or she may need from time to 
time, and confer the several degrees upon all worthy 
members upon their making application and paying for 
the same. Any member may receive all six of the 
degrees at any one meeting ; provided he or she com- 
plies with all the rules and regulations hereinafter men- 
tioned. 

Rule 5. The price for conferring the several subordi- 
nate degrees shall be twenty-five cents each, the same to 
be paid to the Degree Chief before conferring the said 
degrees, and he shall report the names of members 
degreed, and pay the amount collected into the treasury 
of the Council at its next regular meeting. But in no 
case shall the Degree Chief of one Council confer the 
degrees of this Order on a member of another Council 
of good standing whose Degree Chief holds the Degree 
Ritual lawfully, without first obtaining said member's 
Degree Chief's consent. 

QUALIFICATION OF OFFICERS OF A COUNCIL. 

Rule 6. The Worthy Chief, Vice-Chief, Worthy 
Father, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer must be in 
possession of the sixth degree before his or her installa- 
tion, and members elected to other offices in the subor- 
dinate Council must be in possession of the third degree 
before being installed. 

In all cases where new Councils are formed the Worthy 



Chief, Vice-Chief, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer 
must be in possession of the Past Chief's Degree before 
they can be qualified to act, and in all cases the Wor- 
thy Father must be strictly moral. 

WORKING REGALIA. 

Rule 7. The working regalia for officers and mem- 
bers shall be the same in colors as their dress regalia. 
The private members' working regalia of this Order shall 
be as follows : Male members — white collar, trimmed 
with white braid, and a white apron with red cross 
in centre ; apron trimmed with white braid. Female 
members — white collar, trimmed with white braid, and a 
white ivory cross suspended around the neck with scar- 
let ribbon. Past Worthy Chiefs — a gilt cross about neck 
with purple ribbon. 

Section 2. Every Council shall provide themselves with 
a Bible, a wooden cross twelve inches in length, two 
candle-sticks (one made to hold three candles, and the 
other made to hold five candles) ; and all other necessary 
working regalia and initiation implements for the Degree 
Council — the same to be placed in charge of their De- 
gree Chief, who shall be responsible for the safe-keeping 
of the same during his or her term of office. 

officers' dress regalia. 

Rule 8. Worthy Chief. — Scarlet collar and apron; on 
left breast of collar gold embroidered crossed gavels, 
gold star above and below. On the right side three gold 
stars ; collar joined with a sixth-degree rosette. On flap 
of apron, All-seeing eye, in centre a red cross, bordered 
with gold ; trimmings gold fringe and lace. 



6 

Vice- Chief s Dress. — Collar and apron blue; on left 
breast of collar single gavel, silver embroidered; sixth- 
degree rosette at intersection of collar; trimmings silver. 

R. S. — Crossed pens. 

F S. — Single pen. 

Treasurer. — Crossed keys. 

/ S. — Single sword. 

O. S. — Crossed swords. 

Collars and aprons for the above, blue; rosettes, white, 
purple, red, and blue; on flap of apron, All-seeing eye, 
in the centre a red cross bordered with silver; silver trim- 
mings. 

Senior Conductor. — Crossed staffs. 

Junior Conductor. — Single staff, silver embroidered, 
on collar; apron and collar, white; All-seeing eye on flap 
of apron, in centre a cross; rosette, white, purple, red, 
and blue; trimmings blue and silver. 

Chaplain. — Apron and collar black; on the left breast 
open Bible; on the right breast, three stars; on flap 
of apron, All-seeing eye, in centre a cross; silver trim- 
mings. 

Keeper of Wardrobe. — Apron and collar, brown; on 
left breast a box with key laying on it crosswise; rosette 
as above; silver trimmings. 

Worthy Father. — Black collar; red cross, bordered 
with silver on left breast; rosette as above; trimmings 
silver. 

Past Worthy Chief. — Purple collar, with red cross 
bordered with gold on left breast: purple rosette at 
intersection. 

The following jewels may be worn in addition to the 
regalia by the acting officers of Councils, suspended 



around the neck, with ribbon according to the color of 
the regalia: 

P. W. C. — Gold cross; purple ribbon. 

W. C. — Crossed gavels; gilt metal. 

V.-C. — Single gavel; silver metal. 

R. S. — Crossed pens; silver metal. 

F S. — Single pen; silver metal. 

Treasurer. — Crossed keys; silver metal. 

O. S. — Crossed swords; silver metal. 

/ kS*. — Single sword; silver metal. 

kS. C, — Crossed staffs; silver metal. 

J. C. — Single staff; silver metal. 

Chaplain. — Open Bible; silver metal. 

K. of IV. — Box, with a key laying on it crosswise. 

W. F. — A cross; silver metal. 

Nothing herein contained shall prevent sisters from 
wearing dress collars, except on public and funeral occa- 
sions. 

On public occasions, rosettes indicating their highest 
degree may be worn on left breast, also a cross sus- 
pended around the neck with scarlet ribbon. 

On funeral occasions, rosettes as above, covered with 
crape, cross suspended around the neck with black rib- 
bon. 

Jewels indicating rank of office may be worn by sisters 
in centre of rosette. 

DRESS REGALIA FOR MEMBERS. 

Rule 9. Dress regalia for brothers shall consist of 
white satin collars and white aprons, with the emblems. of 
the Order thereon, trimmed according to degree with 
satin ribbon. 



Dress for sisters, white satin collars only, trimmed 
according to degree with satin ribbon. 

DRESS REGALIA FOR OFFICERS AND MEMBERS. 

Rule 10. As a mark of distinction members of this 
Order shall wear on their working and dress regalia, for 
private and public use, the color of the highest degree 
which they have received. 

The following color of rosettes, displaying the color of 
the degree to which a member has advanced, shall be 
worn at the intersection of the collar : 

First Degree. — White satin ribbon rosette; in cen- 
tre, silver star. 

Second Degree. — White and purple satin ribbon ro- 
sette; silver star. 

Third Degree. — White, purple, red, and blue satin 
ribbon rosette; silver star." 

Fourth Degree. — Black and scarlet satin ribbon ro- 
sette; silver star. 

Fifth Degree. — Purple and pink satin ribbon rosette; 
silver star. 

Sixth Degree. — Purple, black, and scarlet satin rib- 
bon rosette; silver star. 

Past Worthy Chiefs. — Purple satin rosette, with gold 
star in centre. 

FIRST DEGREE. 

The Senior Conductor having conducted the candi- 
date to the altar according to form in Council Ritual, 
and having caused him to kneel for obligation, will say : 

Respected Degree Chief, the candidate is at the altar 
and awaits your forthcoming to be obligated and to be 



9 

received into the mysteries of the first degree of the 
Independent Order of St. Luke. 

The Degree Chief will advance towards the altar, and 
calling the candidate by name, will say : 

Please place your right hand upon the Holy Bible, 
raise your left hand towards heaven, and repeat the fol- 
lowing after me : 

I, A B, do sincerely promise and swear, with my right 
hand upon the Holy Bible, to maintain and support the 
Independent Order of St. Luke, its objects and its laws, 
'rules, regulations, and ceremonies. 

I also solemnly swear that I will be true and faithful to 
the Christian religion. I will devote my leisure time to 
searching the Holy Scriptures, so that I may learn to be- 
come useful and true to all mankind, but more especially 
to a brother or sister of this Order wherever found. I 
also promise to obey all laws, rules, and regulations of 
the Right Worthy Grand Council of the Independent 
Order of St. Luke, and this Council or whatever Council 
I may hereafter become a member of; also the rules and 
regulations of this degree. I also promise to obey all 
officers. I swear and promise that I will not in any way 
reveal anything pertaining to this Order or to this de- 
gree, that I have or may hereafter learn, to any person 
or persons whomsoever they may be, except it be to a 
true and lawful brother of the same, and not unto him 
or her until duly proven by the proper sign and word. 

I also promise to obey all summonses in any way con- 
veyed to me by a brother or sister of this Order. I 
swear that I will never assist in an initiation or in giving 
this degree without the consent of the officers of this or 
the R. W. G. Council, and I promise that I will give 



10 

them warning of anything that may bring reproach or 
disgrace upon this Order; and should this Council, from 
any cause, cease to exist, I hereby promise to use all 
efforts to have the charter and rituals returned to the 
R. W. G. Council. 

If ever I should violate the same I hope to be driven 
from their presence and the same death or punishment 
be inflicted on me that befell the traitor Judas for the 
betrayal of his blessed Master. God keep me steadfast 
to this my solemn oath and obligation as a Saint Luke. 
(Kiss the book once.) 

The Degree Chief will now address the candidates as 
follows : 

My brother (or sister, as the case may be), during the 
progress of your initiation you have come in contact with 
three individuals, and no doubt you are at a loss to know 
why one of these had Flowers, another Water, and 
another Alms. 

Allow me to inform you that these represented the 
principles of our Order. The Flowers represented Love, 
the vessel of Water represented Purity. The distribu- 
tion of Alms and Provisions represents Charity, and at 
the same time it is intended to teach you the lessson, 
never turn the poor and needy away without rendering 
them whatever assistance that may be in your power. 

Here you behold the Holy Bible. This is our chart, 
to govern our actions through life. You have promised 
that in your leisure moments you will search the Holy 
Bible, li this promise is carried into effect, by faithful 
adherence to its holy precepts you will thereby acquire 
that pure and perfect peace which will subdue all human 
pride, selfishness, and self-assertion, and then and there 



11 

put away all thoughts of wrath and vengeance to make 
room for the Lord's love and meekness which finally will 
give you an acceptable admittance into that heavenly 
temple, to dwell with Him whose love eridureth forever. 

This cross is the emblem of our Order ; it also repre- 
sents the cross upon which our Blessed Savior was cruci- 
fied, and who says in this Holy Book: "If any man 
will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up 
his cross and follow Me." 

The five burning lights here represent Matthew, Mark, 
Luke, John, and Peter. 

The three burning lights in the east represent the 
Worthy Chief, Vice -Chief, and Secretary, without whose 
presence and unity of action it is impossible for a Coun- 
cil to exist and conduct its business. 

I will now proceed to put you in possession of the 
signs and pass-word of the first degree. 

First Sign. — Stretch the left arm out horizontally, 
with the fore and second fingers separated (or repre- 
senting shears), with the thumb touching the little finger. 

Second Sign. — The second sign is made by holding 
a cord or line in the left hand, and winding it around the 
fingers of the same with the right hand. 

This sign is to remind us that life's cord is being rap- 
idly wound every hour, and while we exist we should 
remember that the span of life is short, and should be 
well spent. 

Third Sign. — Place the right hand under the left 
arm, with left arm close to left side. This represents the 
carrying of the Book of Records in which is supposed 
to be the doings of man's life. 

The grip is given by taking hold of each other's left 



12 

hand, with thumbs resting on the second joints of the 
third finger, and, looking full in the face, shake hands in 
a friendly manner. 

The Degree Chief pronounces the word Helena. 

The candidate answers with the word Constantine. 

Degree Chief. — Bianca. 

Candidate. — Arabella. 

Pass-word. — Adam. 

This ends the first degree. 

RECOGNITION WORD. 

To attract the attention of a St. Luke at night or in a 
place where the signs and words cannot be used, the fol- 
lowing must be used: 

A. — How dependent are we. 

B. — Life is short. 

A. — Truly it is so, and should be well spent. 

B. — Where have you dwelled ? 

A. — Under the protection of (here state the name, 
number, and location of your Council). 

B. — Give me your word. 

A. — (Here give the last pass-word which you have 
received, and state the facts in your case of distress.) 

N. B. — Under no circumstances will a Council or 
member of this Order be allowed to shield in crime, or 
for violating any of the laws of the State, church, or 
Order, by the use of the signs or words. 



13 



SECOND DEGREE. 

The second degree of the Independent Order of St. 
Luke shall be presided over by the Degree Chief, with 
the assistance of such other Past Worthy Chiefs as the 
Council or the Degree Chief may designate. 

Dress as in former degree. The Council Chamber 
represents the hall of Mt. Carmel. 

The Degree Chief gives one rap with the gavel, when 
all shall be seated. 

The officers shall consist of a Degree and Deputy 
Degree Chief, a Recording Secretary, Outside and In- 
side Sentinel, a Junior and Senior Conductor, and Chap- 
lain, all of whom must be Past Worthy Chiefs. 

The Degree Chief gives two raps with the gavel, when 
all present will rise and sing opening ode : 

OPENING ODE. 

Come, brothers, let us all unite 

[Or sisters, as the case may be.] 

To stay the hurtful tide ; 
Against the world we'll bravely fight, 

And spread our Order wide. 

Where'er the sun in radiance beams, 

Or man yet suffers woe, 
Our Order shall send forth its streams 

Till o'er the world they flow. 

Read the seventy-seventh, seventy-eighth, and sev- 
enty-ninth verses of the second chapter of St. Luke. 
Prayer. 



14 



INITIATION. 

D. C. — Worthy Senior Conductor, are there any can- 
didates to be initiated into the mysteries of the second 
degree ? 

The Senior Conductor, after saluting" the Chair, retires 
to the ante-room, ascertains, returns, and reports, if 
any, as follows: 

Con. — Respected Degree Chief, there are waiting 
(here state number of candidates and their names) who 
desire to be initiated in the mysteries of the second de- 
gree of our Order. 

D. C. — Worthy Recorder, are the candidates worthy 
to enjoy this favor? Have they been balloted for and 
elected ? 

The Worthy Recorder, having examined the record, 
answers: Respected Degree Chief, they have been found 
worthy and duly elected (or else, as the case may be). 

D. C. — You will retire and prepare them for the rites 
of initiation of the second degree. The Worthy Con- 
ductor will bear you company. 

While in the ante-room the Conductor will question 
the candidate as follows: 

Con. — Are you desirous of being admitted into the 
mysteries of the second degree of our Order? 

Can. — I am. 

Con. — Are you willing to take the solemn obligation 
to keep secret the forms, ceremonies, words, and other 
private business of the degree into which you now re- 
quest to be admitted? 

Can. — I am. 

If all the answers are in the affirmative, the Senior 
Conductor blindfolds the candidate and gives two raps at 




15 

the door, when the Inside Sentinel reports to the Degree 
Chief that there is a strange alarm at the door of the 
Council Chamber. 

The Degree Chief instructs the Inside Sentinel to 
ascertain the cause of the strange alarm, upon which the 
Inside Sentinel advances to the door, gives two raps, and 
asks, Who comes there ? 

S. C. — A brother (or sister, as the case may be) with 
candidates seeking for admission to the mysteries of the 
second degree. 

I. S. — Have you satisfied yourself of his fitness. 

S. C. — I have. 

I. S. — I will report your wishes to the Degree Chief. 

I. S. — Respected Degree Chief, the Senior Conductor 
seeks permission to introduce a candidate (or a number, 
as the case may be) to the mysteries of the second de- 
gree of our Order. 

D. C. — Are they worthy? 

Jun. Con. — They are so reported. 

D. C— Admit them. 

The Inside Sentinel receives the pass-word from the 
Senior Conductor, opens the door when the Senior Con- 
ductor enters, followed by the candidates and the Re- 
corder, who passes to his or her chair. The candidate 
is dressed in a torn robe and hat. (Handle roughly but 
not severely.) 

At the entrance of the candidates the Degree Chief 
gives two raps, when all the members rise and unite in 
singing (during which time the candidate is conducted 
twice around the room) — 



16 

I'm a pilgrim, Fma stranger, 

I can tarry, I can tarry but a night. 

Do not detain me, for I am going 

To where the fountains are ever flowing. 

I'm a pilgrim, I'm a stranger, 

I can tarry, I can tarry but a night. 

There the glory is ever shining; 

O, my longing heart, my longing heart is there. 

Here in this country, so dark and dreary, 

I long have wandered forlorn and weary. 

I'm a pilgrim, I'm a stranger, 

I can tarry, I can tarry but a night. 

At the conclusion of the singing the candidates are 
conducted to the front of the altar, when they are accosted 
by the Degree Chief, who asks: What are your desires ? 

The candidate answers: To assist you in your work. 

When the reply is made known, all the members rise 
by command of the Degree Chief, and proceed to give 
the candidate this degree. 

The Degree Chief causes the candidates to kneel upon 
both knees, their hands placed on the Holy Bible in a 
transverse position, holding the cross between the same. 

The Degree Chief, calling them by name, and saying: 
In accordance with your request, I will now proceed to 
confer upon you the second degree of the Independent 
Order of St. Luke. 

You will please pronounce your name in full, and say 
after me: I, A B, solemnly swear with hands on the Holy 
Bible and this holy relic, to be a strict observer of the 
rules and regulations of this degree, to administer aid 
and relief to the sick and distressed wherever I may find 



17 

them, but particularly to a brother or sister of this Order. 
I furthermore promise to obey all. the laws, rules, and 
regulations of this Council or whatever Council I may 
hereafter become a member of; also the laws, rules, and 
regulations of the Right Worthy Grand Council, and in 
no way allow them to be violated, if in my power to pre- 
vent it. This do I solemnly swear in the hope of heaven 
and the fear of hell. God help me to be steadfast to 
keep and perform this obligation. 

(Kiss the book twice.) 

The candidate is raised by two members of the degree, 
when the Degree Chief presents him or her with a piece 
of bread, and says, Eat this; then presenting the candi- 
date with a cup of water, saying, Drink this, my brother 
(or sister); God speed you on your journey. The can- 
didate is then conducted to the ante-room, and there bid 
to wait further orders of the Degree Chief. After every- 
thing has been removed or deposited in their proper 
places the Senior Conductor re-enters with the candidate, 
while the members rise and sing: 

s. M. 
Come ye that love the Lord, 

And let your joys be known; 
Join in a song with sweet accord, 

And thus surround His throne. 

Then let our songs abound, 

And every tear be dry; 
We are marching through Immanuel's ground 

To fairer worlds on high. 

After singing, the Degree Chief will address the can- 
didates as follows: 



18 

My brothers (or sisters), you may think that the 
members were disposed to make merriment over your 
initiation into the mysteries of the second degree, but 
allow me to assure you that such was not the case; the 
bread and water which you partook of at our hands were 
emblematic of the early Christians partaking of refresh- 
ments at the hands of their friends during their long and 
wearied travelling in search of the Holy Land. 

You, no doubt, are aware what hardships they en- 
countered on their journey: not only privation, hunger, 
and burning thirsts, but some of them suffered cruel 
deaths at the hands of their persecutors. 

Let this remind you to be ever ready to render assist- 
ance to the needy and sympathy to distressed humanity, 
and more especially to a brother or sister of this Order. 

To prove that you have received the second degree, I 
will give you the sign, grip, and pass-word of the same. 

Sign, — Holding up the first three fingers of the left 
hand, the fourth finger covering the thumb-nail of the 
same, repeat the words, "The Lord is in His Holy 
Temple, let all the earth keep silence before Him." 

Grip and Pass-word. — The grip is given by taking 
each other by the forefinger of the left hand. One says 
Matthew, the other Mark, shaking hands twice. Pass- 
word, Hobah. All present say, Welcome, brother (or 
sister), to the second degree of the Independent Order 
of St. Luke. 

The Council is closed by each member forming a circle 
and singing — 



19 

A charge to keep I have, 

A God to glorify; 
A never-dying soul to save, 

And fit it for the sky. 

Help me to watch and pray, 

And on Thyself rely, 
Assured if I my trust betray, 

I shall forever die. 

Benediction by the Chaplain, when every member pres- 
ent will bow and say, His name be praised forever and 
ever. Amen, Amen. 

The end of the second degree. 



THIRD DEGREE. 



The Council of the third degree shall consist of the 
following officers: 

Degree Chief, Assistant Degree Chief, Chaplain, Re- 
cording Secretary, Senior Conductor, Junior Conductor, 
Outside Sentinel, and Inside Sentinel. 

The Council of the third degree shall be arranged so 
as to represent the city of Jerusalem. Painted curtains 
or veils made of black or green, and evergreen in boxes 
in which the cross is placed should be used, and boards 
or any other more convenient articles should be made to 
represent the roadway leading to and around the hills 
about Jerusalem. 

In no case shall a member while conferring this or any 
other degree of this Order act harsh toward, or do the 
candidate any bodily injury. 



20 



FORM FOR OPENING THE THIRD DEGREE COUNCIL, 

The Degree Chief assumes the station, and gives sev- 
eral raps with the gavel, ealling the members present to 
order, after which he will say : Officers, please take 
your stations, and assist me in instructing the candidates 
in the third degree of the Independent Order of St. 
Luke. 

The members respond : We will assist von. 

1). C. -Junior Conductor, you will please prove all 

present by t he pass-word o( the third degree. 

After examining all present, the Junior will report the 
result of the examination to the Degree Thief. 

ll there be any member present without the* pass word, 
then some other member present who knows that the 

member in question lias received the third degree, may 

VOUch for the member, but in no Case shall this be (Umc 

upon hearsay. A member vouching for another must 
know beyond a doubt that such a person has received 

the degree in question, and unless this proof is estab- 
lished, the member must be* exeused from the Council. 

After all members present have been proven, the 

Degree Chief will give three raps, when all will rise and 
unite in singing the following or some other appropriate 

hymn — 

c, m. 

Must TeSUS bear the CTOSS alone, 

And all the world go free ? 

I know there's a cross \ov every owe, 

And there's a eross for me, 

We'll bear the consecrated eross, 

Till by the eross set free | 
And then go home to wear the erown, 
(), there's a erown tor me. 



21 

Prayer by the Chaplain. 

D. C. — Senior Conductor, as we are about to proceed 
with our journey in the third degree, I will thank you 
to repair to the ante-room, and see if there are any pil- 
grims desiring to journey with us toward Jerusalem. 

The Senior Conductor retires, and after the candidates 
have satisfied him that they are fully qualified, shall 
attire them in pilgrim's dress, blindfold them, and alarm 
the Council door by giving three raps. 

I. S. — Respected Degree Chief, as we are about to 
journey towards Jerusalem, we discover the approach 
of strangers in search of the cross. 

The Degree Chief gives three raps with the gavel, 
when all members present will rise. 

D. C. — Inside Sentinel, you will warn these strangers 
of the difficulties and dangers which may be encountered 
while travelling on to Jerusalem, and if they are willing 
to journey with us, they have my consent to proceed. 

I. S. — Traveller, before allowing you to journey with 
us, I feel it my duty to warn you of the dangers and 
cruelties which may be inflicted upon you by the infidels, 
and to inform you that nearly every unguarded traveller 
along this lonesome road has been exposed to plunder, 
and some have met their deaths at the hands of these 
enemies. 

S. C. — (Answer for candidate.) 

Fellow-traveller, I have heard of these things, but I 
desire to volunteer in service for the cause of love, 
purity, and charity, striving to relieve my fellow-man of 
at least some of the sorrows of this life, by rendering 
assistance in the hours of sickness, pain, and distress, 
and help to bear the cross, and become more useful in 
the elevation of mankind. 



22 

The Council will here unite in singing- — 

c. M. 
Am I a soldier of the cross, 
A follower of the Lamb ; 
And shall I fear to own His cause, 
Or blush to speak His name? 

Sure I must fight if I would reign ; 

Increase my courage, Lord ; 
I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, 

Supported by Thy word. 

I. S. — Pilgrim, since this appears to be your deter- 
mination, you are at liberty to proceed with us. 

During the singing, the Senior Conductor enters with 
the candidate, and passes directly to the Degree Chiefs 
station, and after the singing, the Senior Conductor 
addresses the Degree Chief as follows : Respected 
Degree Chief, while journeying on our pilgrimage to 
Jerusalem in search of the cross, we found this pilgrim 
journeying in the same direction, and on being assured 
of his (or her) willingness, we have given the pilgrim our 
permission to travel with us, and he now stands before 
you for enlightenment in the mysteries of the third degree 
of the Independent Order of St. Luke. 

D. C. — Pilgrim through the pathway of this uncertain 
life, amid the joys and sorrows of the human family, it 
matters not how widely we may differ in our opinions or 
religious creeds, whether in the enjoyment of wealth or 
in the humblest station of poverty, we are cognizant of 
the fact that we arc all dependent creatures, subject to 
disappointment, sickness, sorrow, pain, and death. 
Under these circumstances we have always found love 



23 

and charity in the hearts of mankind to soothe these 
afflictions; but these remedies are not attained without 
some labor or expense on the part of some one, and, in 
consenting to become a volunteer in this cause, you may 
have to undergo the same ordeal as did the early patron 
upon whom this Order is founded — the beloved physician, 
St. Luke, and the steadfast friend, the Apostle St. Paul. 

You must, therefore, exemplify the same patience and 
endurance which it is claimed the saint expressed, 
Helena, the mother of Constantine, possessed, as well as 
have been exercised by all pilgrims who have preceded 
you in this degree. 

In the first degree, when you entered you were 
guarded, supported, and protected. 

Upon this occasion (like your journey) you will realize 
the daily lesson of life. Our pathways are not always 
strewn with flowers, peace, and affection; neither will 
you find the outstretched hand to help you. Yoa may 
find the road rough and rugged, and you may meet with 
disappointment and mistrust. You must expect to find 
these things in this life. This is an hour of trial. You 
will find no friendly hand extended, or kind advice given 
you on which to lean. This is one of the times that self- 
reliance must be exerted. You must seek to find the 
emblem of the cross, with patience and unceasing energy 
as it is claimed Helena possessed in searching for the 
cross of Calvary. 

Hymn — 

A" the cross. 

(The candidate must find the cross, after which remove 

the blindfold, and conduct the candidate to the altar.) 

The Degree Chief here requests the candidate to kneel, 



24 

with his right hand upon his heart and his left upon the 
Bible, opened at the sixth chapter of Luke, and take the 
following oath and obligation, the candidate to repeat the 
following after the Degree Chief: 

I, A B, do solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, 
in the presence of Almighty God and all the members of 
the third degree here assembled, and by the names of the 
four Apostles — Matthew, Mark, John, and Peter — 
and in addition to all my former obligations, that I will 
keep secret all signs, pass- words, and the grip of this 
degree. I will not make known the working thereof, 
and I promise that I will not reveal any of the business 
of this degree to any person or persons whomsoever, ex- 
cept it be to a lawful member of the same, and then to 
those whom I shall know to be the same. 

I will obey all the laws, rules, and regulations of the 
R. W. G. Council and this Council governing this degree 
and the workings of the Order. I furthermore promise 
to obey, support, protect, and defend the Protestant 
faith, the Christian religion, and the rules and edicts of 
the Holy Bible, and I will at all times remonstrate with 
my friends if they should at any time apostatize the re- 
ligion of the true doctrines of Christ. 

I hereby promise to support, encourage, patronize, 
protect, and defend the character of a member of this 
Order and this degree. I promise never to be engaged 
in slandering a member of this Order or family of a mem- 
ber; that 1 will never wrong a member or his family, or 
allow the same to be done, if in my power to prevent; 
that 1 will never allow any danger, distress, or loss to 
befall a member without giving information of the same. 

All of this I swear and promise to obey, or suffer the 






25 

penalty that the laws of this Council or the Order may 
inflict. 

D. C. — Pilgrim, remove your hands and kiss the sacred 
volume that lays before you. Give me your left hand, 
that I may assist you to arise, with renewed zeal to act 
agreeably to your obligation and our usage. 

The Senior Conductor will pass out with the candidate 
to the ante-room and remove the pilgrim dress of the 
candidate, during which time the Junior Conductor, with 
the assistance of other members, will restore the Council 
chamber to its usual appearance. 

The Senior Conductor re-enters with the candidate, 
when the Degree Chief will explain the history of the 
degree, and give the signs, words, and grip. 

HISTORY OF THE DEGREE. 

Helena, the mother of Constantine, it is said, travelled 
through Jerusalem with her niece Arabella, who was 
afflicted with the palsy in the right side, hoping to find 
the cross upon which our blessed Savior died. 

She was shown the spot where he was crucified with 
the two thieves. Having dug down the hills and lev- 
elled the hillocks in search of the true cross, after con- 
siderable search she found the first cross, which she 
caused her niece to touch, but to no effect; the second 
being found, with no better success; the third cross was 
then found, which she touched, and it restored her to 
perfect health. This, then, must have been the true 
cross. 

In grateful acknowledgment Helena then knelt and 
offered prayer to God, saying, O Lord, in Thee do I put 
my trust; let me never be confounded. 



26 

She built a church on the spot where the cross was 
found, one hundred and fifty spaces long, twenty-six 
wide, and sixty-two in height, and gave the name of the 
church "Hospitality." 

I trust that you will always prove worthy of the respect 
and confidence reposed in you as a Saint Luke. 

Your duty to yourself requires that you be careful to 
regulate your conduct, and at all times to consider the 
distressed and unfortunate, and to assist your fellow- man, 
and especially a Saint Luke, with your best counsel and 
good advice. 

Hailing Sign. — Left hand covering the eyes, pressing 
the left temple. 

What does this represent ? 

Weeping over the grave of St. Luke. 

Second Sign. — Three fingers of the right hand closed, 
thumb touching the second joint of the third finger, with 
index finger pointing upwards. 

What does this sign represent ? 

My hope and trust is on high. 

Grip. — Place the palms of the left hands together; 
raise them. 

Pass -word. — Calvary. 

SIGNS AND PASS-WORDS TO BE USED BY MEMBERS 
WHEN IN DISTRESS. 

These instructions must be given to every member at 
his initiation into the third degree, and be practiced at 
every degree meeting of the Council thereafter. 

CAUTION. 

Before rendering assistance to any person claiming to 
be a distressed member of a Council, working under the 



27 

jurisdiction of the Independent Order of St. Luke, the 
Council, or the member applied to, must exact from the 
distressed member sufficient proof that he or she is a 
financial member of the same, and in possession of a 
financial card of said Council, with the quarterly and 
travelling pass-word and a travelling certificate of the 
Order, as well as the address of the Worthy Chief and 
Recording Secretary, and in case of a doubt as to the 
correctness of the distressed member's statement, it 
shall be the duty of the Council to make all necessary 
inquiries of the individual as well as the officers of his 
Council. 

Distress Sign, Pass-word, and Grip. — (This instruc- 
tion must be given at the initiation of a member, and 
must be used only for the purpose and in the manner 
herein taught.) 

Instruction to Member. — Should you be travelling, or 
in a strange place at any time, and desire to find a mem- 
ber of the Independent Order of St. Luke, you must 
make your signs and give your word in the following 
manner, and without attracting the attention of the public: 

A. — Place the first three fingers of the left hand behind 
the left ear, and use these words: Am I equal to the task? 

B. — The answer to this is given by passing the thumb 
of the left hand under the right eye three times and re- 
peating the words, That is for you to prove. 

A. — How shall I proceed to do so ? 

B. — By using the instructions that you have received. 
Are you travelling without assistance ? 

A. — No; we are all dependent upon our fellow-men. 

B. — Under what influence do we journey? 

A. — Love, purity, and charity to all mankind. 



28 

B. — Where were these lessons taught you? 

A. — In a regular Council of the Independent Order of 
St. Luke. 

B. — Of what Council are you a member? 

A. — (In answer to this, give the name, number, and 
location of your Council.) 

B. — In this cause we are united. 

A. — Then give me the St. Luke grip. 

Unite the left hands, with thumbs resting on the second 
joint of the third finger, and shake three times, repeating 
the words, Avoid slander; may truth and justice prevail 
with us. 

The Council shall be closed in the following order: 

D. C. — Our labors in this Council are about complete. 
Before we part I desire to know, Who is on the Lord's 
side ? 

Members answer. — Those who love him and keep his 
commandrnents. 

The Degree Chief will give five raps, upon which all 
will rise and sing — 

Who is on the Lord's side, 

Who will serve the King, 
Who will be His helpers, 

Other lives to bring ? 

Prayer. 

The Lord's-prayer by the Chaplain. 

All the members respond, Thy name shall be praised 
forever and ever. 

The Degree Chief declares the Council of the third 
degree closed. 



29 



FOURTH DEGREE. 

(The officers of the Council of the fourth degree and 
the form of ceremony for opening shall be the same as 
in the third degree.) 

The Degree Chief gives several raps with the gavel, 
after which he will say : Officers and members, I am 
desirous of opening the Council of the fourth degree. If 
there is any member present who has not received this 
degree, I will thank him to retire. The Junior Conductor 
having proved all present in possession of the fourth 
degree, the Degree Chief will give four raps with the 
gavel, when all present will rise and unite in singing — 

L. M. 
Before Jehovah's awful throne. 

Ye nations bow with sacred joy ; 
Know that the Lord is God alone ; 

He can create and He destroy. t» 

Wide as the world is Thy command, 

Vast as eternity is Thy love ; 
Firm as a rock Thy truth must stand. 

When rolling years shall cease to move. 

Prayer by Chaplain. 

D. C— Senior Conductor, you will please retire to the 
ante-room, and prepare the candidates for initiation into 
the mysteries of the fourth degree, provided they are 
qualified to receive the same. 

After being satisfied that the candidate is duly qualified, 
the Senior Conductor will blindfold him and conduct 
him to the Council door, where he will instruct him to 
give four loud raps. 



30 

I. S. — Who is it that alarms the door of the Council 
of the fourth degree ? 

S. C. — A pilgrim who has labored with us in search 
of the cross, and having found it, now desires to continue 
his (or her) efforts with us for the advancement of the 
principles of love, purity, and charity among the chil- 
dren of men. 

I. S. — Tarry here until your desire has been reported 
to our respected Degree Chief. 

I. S. — Respected Degree Chief, a pilgrim who has 
labored with us in search of the cross desires to continue 
with us in the advancement of love, purity, and charity. 

D. C. — Inside Sentinel, admit this pilgrim. 

The Inside Sentinel admits the Senior Conductor, who 
enters with the candidate, and advances to the station of 
the Degree Chief. 

Upon the entry of the Senior Conductor and candi- 
date, all members present will rise and sing — 

Precious promise, God hath given, 

To the weary passer-by, 
On the way from earth to heaven, 

I will guide thee with mine eye. 

At the conclusion of this verse, the Senior Conductor 
will introduce the candidate as follows: 

Respected Degree Chief, through your consent, this 
pilgrim has come to unite himself with us in the advance- 
ment of the principles of love, purity, and charity. 

D. C. (addressing candidate) — Pilgrim, before I shall 
consent for you to proceed with us in this degree, you 
must make me four solemn promises. 

First. That you will become a better man (or woman, 
as the case may be). 



31 

Second. That your leisure moments will be spent in 
usefulness and the promotion of the principles of this 
Order. 

Third. That you will not at any time or place know- 
ingly, by word, deed, or act, speak disrespectfully of this 
Order, of any of its members, or of the families of the 
same. 

Fourth. That you will strive, in addition to your former 
obligations, to be true and faithful to the laws and offi- 
cers of the R. W. G. Council and the laws, rules, and 
regulations of this Council, and obedient and respectful 
to the officers to the same. 

Candidate must answer, All of these I sincerely 
promise to obey. 

D. C— Pilgrim, since you are willing to learn, prac- 
tice, and teach these truths, you are welcome to share 
our fraternal care and protection. 

At this juncture the Senior Conductor will remove the 
blindfold and conduct the candidate to the altar, where 
the Degree Chief will require the candidate to kneel, 
place his right hand on the Bible and his left on his heart, 
and repeat after him the following obligation of the fourth 
degree: 

I, A B, do most solemnly swear, in the presence of 
Almighty God and this Council of the fourth degree, that 
I will never divulge the secrets of this degree nor assist 
in conferring this degree except in a true and lawful Coun- 
cil, and that I will never write, print, stamp, paint, or in 
any other way make known any part or parts of this de- 
gree to any person or persons not entitled to receive the 
same. 



32 

I promise to be true and faithful to the Christian re- 
ligion, to be strict and cautious over my actions so as not 
to wound the feeling or give offense to any member of 
this Order, and if in my power I will never see a member 
of this Order suffer or be wronged by another, binding 
myself under penalty of such punishment as the R. W. 
G. Council or this Council may see fit to inflict upon me. 

(Candidate will kiss the Bible four times and rise.) 

The candidate is then conducted to the ante-room by 
the Senior Conductor; the Conductor returning to the 
Council chamber, instructing the candidate to return as 
soon as he or she is ready. 

The lights are all lowered, and as the candidate at- 
tempts to re-enter he is seized by several members and 
charged with being an enemy; his hands are chained or 
tied, and he is carried before the Degree Chief as an in- 
truder, who has gained admission without the pass-word. 
Some will attempt to order him out, while others will ad- 
vise that the candidate be given a chance to explain be- 
fore the Decree Chief how he obtained admission. 

Upon being presented, the Degree Chief will address 
the candidate as follows : 

My brother (or sister), you have passed through an- 
other rough scene in life. This should be a lesson for 
you. The scene of this occasion is a representation of 
what often follows misunderstanding or the want of proper 
instruction or training. 

How many of our fellow-men perish as victims for the 
want of some friendly advice and hand in the time of dan- 
ger and distress. Thus you will see that it is well to be 
considerate and cautious. Remember in future never be 



83 

harsh to the unfortunate, the poor, or to those afflicted 
with the trials of life. 

Remember, when the storms of life beat heavily 
against you and the clouds and the darkness are around 
and about you', the signs, pass -words, and the grips of 
this Order may bring you comfort. 

I will therefore give you the sign, pass-word, and grip 
of this degree for your future protection. 

(The members with the Degree Chief and candidate 
will advance to the altar, forming a circle with the Degree 
Chief and candidate in the centre.) 

Sign. — Extending the right hand as to receive another. 
Answered by placing the forefingers of the left hand to 
the mouth with the thumb touching the chin. 

Grip. — Take each other by the second fingers of the 
left hand, elevating the thumbs. 

Pass-word.— Antioch. 

All present will now form a circle and unite in singing — 

c. M. 
To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 

One God whom we adore, 
Be glory as it was, is now, 

And shall be evermore. 



FIFTH DEGREE. 



(The Council of this Degree shall be opened in the 
same form as that of the fourth degree.) 

At the sound of the gavel, the members shall regail 
themselves in purple collars and aprons or rosettes, and 
observe a general silence while the word is being taken. 



34 

D. C. — Worthy Recording Secretary, have you any 
information from Palestine to present the Council of the 
fifth degree. 

W. R. S. — I have, respected Degree Chief, Jerusalem 
has been taken by the Christians, and Baldwin is king 
of the same. 

At four raps from the gavel, the members will rise and 

sing- 
le M. 

Awake, Jerusalem, -awake, 

No longer in thy sins lie down, 
The garment of salvation take, 

Thy beauty and thy strength put on. 

Shake off the dust that blinds thy sight 
And hides the promise from thine eyes ; 

Arise and struggle into light, 
Thy great Deliverer calls, arise. 

The Chaplain will read the first six verses of the 127th 
Psalm. 

Prayer by Chaplain, all kneeling. 

(After prayer all will resume their seats.) 

D. C. — Worthy Recording Secretary, are there any 
candidates to be advanced to the fifth degree ? 

W. R. S. — Respected Degree Chief, there are. (Here 
state the number, and give the names of all.) 

D. C. — Senior Conductor, you will please retire to the 
ante-room, and conduct the candidates. 

The Senior Conductor retires, and after arranging the 
candidate (no blindfold to be used), advances to the 
door, and gives five loud raps in rapid succession. 

1. S. — Respected Degree Chief, there is an alarm at 
our Council door. 



36 

D. C. — Inquire as the cause of such an alarm. 

I. S. (To the Senior Conductor and candidates) — 
Who is it that alarms our Council ? 

S. C. — We have been engaged in the work of the 
cross, and having heard that the Christians are in pos- 
session of Jerusalem and that Baldwin is king of the same, 
we have come to break the fast and to rejoice with you 
and assist in establishing a temple of friendship, in order 
that dissension and strife may be done away with. 

I. S. — Since this is your mission, you can enter. 

The Senior Conductor enters with the candidate, 
passes to the altar, where he causes the candidate to 
kneel, while he addresses the Degree Chief as follows: 

Respected Degree Chief, we have heretofore labored 
with you in the searches for the cross, and have jour- 
neyed the rough roads of life as our patron St. Luke did 
for our better enlightenment. We have learned that Jeru- 
salem has been taken by the Christians, and that 
Baldwin has been proclaimed king, now as one who seeks 
for knowledge, I ask that you will confer upon this pil- 
grim the honor of the fifth degree. 

D. C. — Your request can only be complied with after 
you have satisfied me that the candidate is in possession 
of all the degrees, from the first to the fourth, and this 
must be done by the words, signs, and the grips. 

Here the Senior Conductor and the candidate work 
from the first to the fourth degree, and after this is 
finished the Degree Chief addresses them as follows : 

Come, brothers and sisters, assemble around the altar 
and assist me in obligating these pilgrims to the fifth 
degree. 

(Here the members leave their seats, and advancing 



36 

to the altar unite hands, forming a circle around the 
same.) 

D. C. says : 

My brother (or sister), you are now kneeling for the 
fifth time to the Independent Order of St. Luke, and it 
is my duty to inform you that this is one of the most 
serious oaths and obligations you have yet taken ; there- 
fore, consider its importance before you enter upon the 
same. 

I, A B, do solemnly declare in the presence of Al- 
mighty God and this sacred Council of the fifth degree 
of the Independent Order of St. Luke, dedicated to 
God, held forth to the memory of the holy St. Luke, to 
always obey my superiors in office, and strictly to observe 
all the laws, rules, and regulations of the Right Worthy 
Grand Council, also those of this Council of this de- 
gree, and whatever Council I shall hereafter become a 
member of; I solemnly swear not to reveal any of the 
secrets of this degree to any person or persons of a lesser 
degree, and never be at the meetings of the making of 
one of this degree who has not received the preceding- 
degrees in a just and lawful Council, working under the 
authority of the Right Worthy Grand Council of the 
Independent Order of Saint Luke, and not even then 
without a clear ballot. 

I solemnly swear to be in no plots or conspiracies 
against a brother or sister of this Council, or against the 
Order in general. I sincerely promise and swear to 
stand by a brother or sister, to help him or her, to aid, 
and if necessary to shelter him or her from all approach- 
ing danger ; I also promise to give him or her employ- 
ment and employ him or her in preference to all other 



37 

males or females, and in case of any sad accident (on 
hearing the cry of distress), I will fly to his or her 
relief; I also swear when I am taught the word and 
learn the sign and grip of this degree I will not give 
them except it be in the manner in which I was taught. 
God help and keep me steadfast in this my fifth obliga- 
tion of the Independent Order of St. Luke. 

(Kiss the book five times.) 

My brother, you have most solemnly pledged yourself 
to associate with us in our labors to establish a temple of 
Friendship — that is, you have promised at all times and 
in all places to strive to teach this spirit to those with 
whom you may come in contact. 

We desire to call your attention to the emblematic de- 
signs on our charter. 

The first of these, and the most important, is the All- 
seeing eye. This emblem should direct our attention to 
the sublime truth that the eye of the divine providence is 
upon those that fear Him, upon those that hope in His 
mercy. His eyes are in every place, beholding the evil 
as well as the good. 

The ancient temple is in representation of the church 
or temple which we are informed was erected by St. 
Helena on the spot where the Savior was crucified, while 
on the front of this temple is seen the cross, which has 
been explained to you. 

This is also intended to impress upon you to so live 
that when your pilgrimage in this life is ended, your soul 
may find an everlasting rest in the spiritual temple — 
that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 
Let us therefore conduct ourselves as becomes the 
humble and faithful followers of Christ, and dedicate our 



38 

hearts a living temple to Him who died on Calvary's 
cross. Then we shall dwell with Him who has given 
the soul-cheering promise, "Him that overcometh I 
will make a pillar in the temple of my God." 

The right-hand figure is Justice, holding a pair of 
scales in the right hand and a sword in the left hand. 
This emblem is to remind us of our duty to our Creator, 
to our fellow-man, and to ourselves. During your inter- 
course with your fellow-man in this world, should there 
arise strife between you, never act precipitately or rashly; 
or should you be appointed to settle matters of difference 
between members of this Order, you should deal impar- 
tially, giving justice to whom it is due; never do evil for 
evil. Justice has its demands, if we carefully weigh both 
sides of a question before giving a decision. It is the 
office of Justice to punish crime: therefore the sword is 
held to execute the offender. Never do anything to 
your fellow-man which you would be unwilling should 
be done to yourself, for remember this is the Golden 
Rule. 

The left-hand figure here represents the monument <»i 
Saint Luke. It has been the practice from the earliest 
ages, and even to the present time, at the death of a re- 
lation or a friend who were esteemed for their acts ot 
love and kindness, after depositing their mortal rem lins 
in its mother dust, to erect a monument over their graves 
to denote their last resting-place ; therefore, the monu- 
ment representing a pillar partly covered with a mantle, 
is erected to St. Luke in token of appreciation, love, and 
respect to his memory lor many great and cherished quali- 
ties. The figure representing Memory, is seen standing 

In' the pillar in a mournful attitude, bearing the sum- 



39 

mer's heat and winter's cold ; still it stands, regardless 
of passing events, answering, at the same time, the end 
of its erection — to constantly remind us of our living and 
conducting ourselves with that consistency that we may 
be saved in the world to come. It should also be our 
highest aim to inculcate love, purity, and charity, and 
cause those with whom we may come in contact with 
during our lives to erect a living monument of love and 
respect, which should leave a cherished remembrance of 
our good deportment in the hearts of all mankind, espe- 
cially in every true St. Luke. 

You will discover that the cross is emblazoned in bold 
colors on the face of our charter, and at the base of the 
cross you see the clasped hands. These are striking em- 
blems. 

Upon the cross the redemption of man was secured, 
and thereon the Christian religion is founded. 

The united hands are to signify union and to teach us 
to be un : ted in faith, works, and prayers that strife and 
discord may be obliterated, and to hope for the time to 
come when all nations, kindred, tongues, and peoples 
shall be bound together through faith in the fatherhood 
of God and the brotherhood of man. 

I will take pleasure now in giving you instruction in 
the signs, pass- word, and grip of the fifth degree. 

Sign. — Stretch out both arms at full length. 

Answer to Sign. — Place the right hand on the left 
shoulder. 

Pass-word. — Leah. 

Grip. — The grip is formed by interlacing the two first 
fingers of the left hand, with thumbs touching, pronounc- 
ing the word Leah. 



40 



SIXTH DEGREE. 

The Council of the sixth degree shall consist of the 
following officers: 

Degree Chief, Assistant Degree Chief, Chaplain, Re- 
cording Secretary, Senior Conductor, Junior Conductor, 
Outside Sentinel, and Inside Sentinel. 

The Council of the sixth degree shall be arranged so 
as to represent the city of Jerusalem. Painted curtains 
or veils made of black or green, and evergreen in boxes 
in which the cross is placed should be used, and boards 
or any other more convenient articles should be made to 
represent the roadway leading to and around the hills 
about Jerusalem. 

In no case shall a member while conferring this or any 
other degree of this Order act harsh toward, or do the 
candidate any bodily injury. 

FORM FOR OPENING THE SIXTH DEGREE COUNCIL. 

The Degree Chief assumes the station, and gives sev- 
eral raps with the gavel, calling the members present to 
order, after which he will say : Officers, please take 
your stations, and assist me in instructing the candidates 
in the sixth degree of the Independent Order of St. 
Luke. 

The members respond : We will assist you. 

D. C. — Junior Conductor, you will please prove all 
present by the pass-word of the sixth degree. 

After examining all present, the Junior will report the 
result of the examination to the Degree Chief. 

If there be any member present without the pass-word, 



41 

then some other member present who knows that the 
member in question has received the sixth degree, may- 
vouch for the member, but in no case shall this be done 
upon hearsay. A member vouching for another must 
know beyond a doubt that such a person has received 
the degree in question, and unless this proof is estab- 
lished, the member must be excused from the Council. 
After all members present have been proven, the 
Degree Chief will give six raps, when all will rise and 
unite in singing the following or some other appropriate 
hymn — 

Almighty Jehovah, 
Descend now and fill 

This Council with thy glory, 
Our hearts with good-will. 

Preside at our meetings, 

Assist us to find 
True pleasure in teaching 

Good-will to mankind. 

Prayer by the Chaplain. 

The Degree Chief and members in this degree shall 
see that every member is clothed in a purple collar, 
trimmed with yellow with a white or gilt cross attached 
at the appendix of the same. 

(The candidate is allowed to remain in the Council 
chamber. ) 

The Degree Chief, on assuming the station, will wear 
a crown, and robe trimmed with scarlet and yellow. 

(Give six raps, calling the assemblage to order.) 

D. C. — Brethren (or sisters), it being time, we will 
now proceed to open the Council of the sixth degree. 



42 

Senior and Junior Conductors, you will please require 
from every person present the sign and pass-word of the 
sixth degree, and if there be any present who cannot do 
so, you will please bring such person or persons before me, 
so that the laws and regulations of the Order may be 
enforced, 

At this juncture some member must complain, saying 
to the Degree Chief that it will be impossible to give the 
sign and pass-word of the sixth degree without violating 
the laws of the Order, as there are strangers present. 

(The Degree Chief rising, gives several raps with the 
gavel, at which all the members will rise.) 

D. C. — I have summoned you before me, and I hereby 
command you to search this Council, and if there be any 
strangers present, bring him before me that an investi- 
gation as to the cause of this intrusion may be made. 

The members will form two lines, faces inward, and 
through this line the Assistant Degree Chief and the can- 
didates must pass. On their way through, the members 
must seize the candidates, some charging them with in- 
trusion, some with being an enemy, some with being a 
traitor, while others will express themselves as to the 
punishment such action deserves. 

It must be made to appear that it is with great diffi- 
culty the candidates are brought out of this confusion. 

The Degree Chief must give several raps with the 
gavel, but at the command, Order, all must obey promptly. 

D. C. — What is the cause of this confusion among 
you ? 

Members. — We find strangers among us without the 
sign and pass-word of the sixth degree. 

The Senior Conductor advances to the candidate in a 



43 

hasty and excited manner, grasping him by the arm, 
saying, I have been in search for you. Our Degree 
Chief demands that you appear before him to answer for 
your intrusion among us. (With this the candidate is 
carried roughly to the Degree Chief's station.) 

D. C. (in a stern voice) — What means your presence 
here in this Council without the sign and pass-word of 
the sixth degree ? Do you mean to intrude in our ranks 
and assume a station without the qualifications ? What 
business prompted you to come before this Council in 
this unreasonable manner, and have you considered the 
responsibility of your action ? 

(Some members will hastily inquire as to the penalty 
for such an offense, while others will say what the intruder 
deserves.) 

A. D. C. (addressing Degree Chief) — I don't believe 
this (or these) strangers are enemies, or impostors. I 
think he (or they) have formed a favorable opinion of 
the cause in which we are engaged and desires to unite 
with us. Let's avoid any harsh treatment, for it may be 
someone present who will vouch for the stranger (or 
strangers). 

D. C. — I can't be held responsible for what befalls the 
stranger; Senior Conductor, you will please see that the 
laws of this Council are enforced and that the penalty 
for the offense is inflicted. 

(The Assistant Degree Ch : ef will hurriedly conduct the 
candidate to the ante-room.) 

After arranging the candidate the Senior Conductor 
will alarm the door of the Council Chamber by giving 
six raps. 

I. S. — Degree Chief, there is an alarm at our door. 



44 

D. C. — Inquire into the cause of the same. 

I. S. — Who comes here? 

S. C. — A pilgrim seeking the six mysteries of the 
sixth degree of the Independent Order of St. Luke. 

I. S. — Please wait until our Degree Chief has been 
informed of his desire. 

I. S. — Respected Degree Chief, the alarm is made by 
a pilgrim seeking the six mysteries of the sixth degree 
of the Independent Order of St. Luke. 

D. C. — Inside Sentinel, please admit the pilgrim. 

(The Inside Sentinel admits the pilgrim, who enters 
with the Senior Conductor, who conducts the candidate 
to the altar.) 

S. C. —Respected Degree Chief, I present you this 
pilgrim, who was a short while ago charged with being 
an intruder. 

In attempting to carry out our laws, I found that his 
(or her) motives were pure, and that he comes to enlist 
with this Council for the promotion of love, purity, and 
charity. 

D. C. — Senior Conductor, if this person (or persons) 
are really pilgrims, and their desires true and their 
motives sincere, we shall be pleased to enlist him as one 
of our members. 

We want only true and faithful followers ; those who 
are not afraid to face the hardships and the scorns of the 
world. 

If this pilgrim journeys with us he may at times have 
to endure severe trials. There have been times in our 
pilgrimage when it seemed as though our friends had 
turned against us, and perhaps it may be so with this 



45 

pilgrim ; yet, if he is determined and willing we will 
admit him. 

Candidate (prompted by the Senior Conductor). — I am 
ready and willing. 

D. C. — Before proceeding on our journey I w r ould 
advise that this pibrim, with each of our members, start 
under the protection of the sign and pass-word of the 
sixth degree, so that in future you will be enabled to 
distinguish your friends from your enemies. (Address- 
ing the candidate) — My brother, I hope this action on the 
part of the Council will cause you always to attend the 
meetings of the Council and to keep fresh in your mem- 
ory your obligation, the signs and words, so that in case 
you be placed in such a strait again you will be able to 
extricate yourself honorably. (Candidate kneels and 
takes following obligation : 

I, A B, in the presence of Almighty God and the 
members of the sixth degree here assembled do most 
solemnly swear and promise, in addition to all my for- 
mer obligations, to obey all the laws, rules, and regula- 
tions of the Order, and never to reveal any of the mys- 
teries of the sixth degree. I will always protect the 
interest of the Order and this Council and of the mem- 
bers thereof. 

I promise to attend the sick and distressed at all times, 
and to extend the hand of charity whenever it is re- 
quired and it is in my power so to do. I furthermore 
promise to protect a member of this Order, and will use 
my influence for the promotion of the members of this 
Order, both morally and socially. 

I will never see a member suffer without rendering him 
assistance. I will never defame the character of a mem- 



46 

ber nor expose the same except in such cases as the laws 
of the Order require. Whenever I detect that a mem- 
ber of this Order is about to make a mistake I will go to 
such a member and point out to him this fault, ever 
keeping the Golden Rule in view, hoping as I mete out 
justice to others in this world the same may be meted 
out to me. May God help me, keep me, and protect me 
in performing the same. (Kiss the Bible six times and 
rise. ) 

Senior Conductor will retire with the candidate to the 
ante-room ; after making necessary arrangements they 
will return to the Council chamber, when the following 
may be sung: 

Ye fearful saints fresh courage take, 
The clouds ye so much dread 

Are big with mercy, and shall break 
In blessings on your head. 

His purposes will ripen fast, 

Unfolding every hour ; 
The bud may have a bitter taste, 

But sweet will be the flower. 

D C. — My brother (or sister) you have solemnly 
pledged yourself to us for the sixth time to be true and 
faithful to the Independent Order of Saint Luke. I hope 
yon will try to live and act in strict compliance with your 
oath and obligations, and ever try to inculcate love, purity, 
and charity toward ail mankind, but especially to a mem- 
ber of this Order. 

I shall now take pleasure in explaining the principles 
or motto of our Order. 

When you received the fifth degree, the temple with 
Justice and the pillar with Memory were then explained 
to you. 



47 

The three principles of our Order are Love, Purity, and 
Charity. 

Love is represented by a flying seraph, holding" in its 
arms the emblems of abundance, or horn of plenty, from 
which she scatters flowers of affection, This teaches us 
to work in accordance with the divine love, for without 
love there can be no good works. Think well of this 
holy command, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy- 
self." 

Purity is represented by the flowing fountain gushing 
forth its crystal streams, unceasingly affording drink to 
the thirsty, and its beauty giving pleasure to them that 
gaze thereon. 

So let our acts of benevolence be actuated by the purest 
motives, and bestowing them on each and every needy 
one in a manner to promote their welfare, thereby setting 
an example for our brothers and sisters of lesser degrees 
and the uninitiated to gaze on our good works with admi- 
ration, also making ourselves happy recipients of the holy 
promise, ' ' Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see 
God." 

Charity is represented by a being of heavenly appear- 
ance with arms extended ; with the left hand she draws 
the orphan to her bosom, while with the right hand placed 
on its head she pronounces a solemn benediction. 

It is founded on love and based on good-will to all man- 
kind ; it extends the arm of pity and relief to the poor 
and needy and assistance to the fallen ; it pours the oil 
of consolation into the wounded heart ; it shelters and 
befriends the stranger in distress ; it is a husband to the 
widow and a father to the orphan. 

So should our principles be founded on charitable love, 



48 

and our hearts encompassed with good-will ; never giv- 
ing ear to the subtle voice of slander against a brother or 
sister, friend or enemy. 

Our ear should ever be open to the cry of distress of a 
brother or sister of this Order ; we should cherish the 
orphan and sympathize with the widow. In short, char- 
ity teaches us individually — 

To feel another's woe, 

To hide the faults I see, 
That mercy I to others show, 

That mercy show to me. 

If we follow the injunction of charity we will thereby 
fulfill the command enjoined on us by the Apostle Paul : 
"Above all these things put on charity, which is the 
bond of perfectedness." 

(The Degree Chief will give the sign, word, and grip.) 

Sign of the Sixth Degree. — Fold both hands across 
the breast, crossing the thumbs. 

Grip. — Interlocking the fingers of the left hand, cross- 
ing the thumbs. One says, Strive; the other says, For 
Zion. 

Pass-ivord. — Macedonia. 

Closing Hymn (Old Hundred): 

L. M. 

Come, Christian brethren, ere we part, 
Join every voice and every heart; 
One solemn hymn to God we raise, 
One final song of grateful praise. 

Brothers, we here may meet no more, 
But there is yet a happier shore, 
And there, released from toil and pain, 
Dear brethren, we shall meet again. 



49 

D. C— Members, I thank you for your aid and assist- 
ance, and hope that we shall have your presence at our 
future degree meetings. 

(The Degree Chief gives six raps with the gavel, calling 
the Council up.) 

Benediction pronounced by the Chaplain and the Coun- 
cil declared closed. 



PAST WORTHY CHIEF'S HONORS. 

Rule 1. — This is not a degree, but a reward of honor, 
and can only be obtained by members of the Independ- 
ent Order of St. Luke, as provided for in the General 
Laws and Rituals, to wit : 

A member to receive the title and honors of Past 
Worthy Chief must serve one regular term in office of 
Vice and Worthy Chief, but in all cases where new Coun- 
cils are instituted the Worthy Chief, Vice-Chief, Record- 
ing Secretary, and Treasurer must receive the title and 
honors of P. W. C. ; but in no other case than this shall 
this honor be conferred upon members until they shall 
have actually served in the offices as above stated, or as 
per the General Laws of the Order. 

Rule 2. — When this honor is conferred upon a 
Worthy Chief or a member as a reward of honor, the 
officers filling the several stations shall all be Past Worthy 
Chiefs, and none but Past Worthy Chiefs shall be 
present. 

Rule 3. : — At the institution of a new Council, the 
Committee shall see that the title and honor is conferred 
upon the Worthy Chief, Vice-Chief, Recording Secre- 
tary, and Treasurer, as is provided for in the General 
Laws of the Order. 



50 

Rule 4. — The honoring of a Past Worthy Chief shall 
take place previous to the time appointed for the installa- 
tion of officers of the Council. 

HONORING A PAST WORTHY CHIEF. 

When all are in readiness, the Worthy Chief or mem- 
ber that is to be honored shall be conducted to the De- 
gree Chief of the Degree Council and presented as 
follows : 

S. C. — Respected Degree Chief, I present you Brother 

(or Sister) , who has been duly elected, installed, and 

served the required time as Most Respected Worthy 

Chief, of Council, No. , and now waits to be 

invested with the honors of Past Worthy Chief [for the 
faithful performance of those duties which must be per- 
formed by every Most Respected Worthy Chief before 
receiving this honor], that he (or she) may enjoy the 
rights and privileges appertaining to that ( ffice. 

(When the honors are conferred at the opening of a 
new Council upon a Worthy Chief, Vice-Chief, Record- 
ing Secretary, and Worthy Treasurer, or as a reward of 
merit, as provided for in the General Laws, all contained 
in brackets will be omitted.) 

The Degree Chief, or the officer conducting the instal- 
lation, says : 

D. C. — My brother (or sister), I congratulate you 
upon this mark of honor and rank of distinction in your 
Council and the Independent Order of St. Luke. 

I hope the several obligations you have taken and the 
degrees conferred have caused you to become more 
familiar with the principles of the Order, that you may 
become wiser and better prepared to practice and teach 



51 

those of the Order, as well as the uninitiated, that the 
power and influence ot the Order over its members, if 
adhered to, will be a present help to them in time of 
need. 

By this course of action on your part, those with whom 
you come in contact will learn that Charity is the bond 
of perfection. 

D. C. (to candidate) — Do you, in addition to all your 
former obligations, promise to obey all laws, rules, and 
regulations of the R. W. G. Council as well as your sub- 
ordinate Council ? 

Candidate. — I do. 

D. C. — Do you promise to respect the officers and 
members of this Order, and do all that is in your power 
by words, deeds, and actions to lessen their sorrows and 
misfortunes in life? 

Candidate.— I do. 

D. C. — My brother, we are about to confer upon you 
the honor of Past Worthy Chief. This is a title we 
hope that you will always prove worthy of. We trust 
that you shall live long to enjoy the rights and privileges 
of the Order, and that your influence, with the experi- 
ence you have had in your Council, blended with the 
knowledge, wisdom, and means of the other Past Worthy 
Chiefs and members, will tend to make our Order one 
whose influence will be sought after and appreciated 
by the community at large. To prove that you are a 
Past Worthy Chief, I will give you the sign and word of 
the Past Worthy Chief's honors. 

D. C. — What do the principles of the Independent 
Order of St. Luke teach us ? 

Answer : They teach us to unite in love, to be pure in 



52 

heart, and charitable to all mankind, and especially to a 
St. Luke. 

D. C. — How may we inculcate these duties? 

Answer : By searching and adhering to the sacred 
Scriptures and relieving each other in sickness and dis- 
distress. 

D. C. — Where were these lessons taught you? 

Answer: In my Council. 

D. C. — What constitutes a Council. 

Answer: Twelve officers and an unlimited number of 
members faithfully adhering to the laws and principles of 
the Order. 

D. C. — What part of the labors in your Council did 
you perform ? 

Answer: I presided, Worthy Chief, in the east, and as 
a reward for my service I passed from the right to left 
side of the station. 

D. C. — Give me your sign. 

Sign : Close the fingers' of the right hand with thumb 
pressing the side of the second joint of .the first finger, 
giving three motions as if using the gavel. 

Pass-word. — Joshua. 

KEY TO PASS-WORD. 
A H C D E F GHIJKLMNOPQ R S T U V \V X V Z 
F R V E T WYUSADIGCLOHJK B N P M Q Z X 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



027 273 5219 



■HH 



